The Rights of Quran Upon Muslims
The Quran encompasses all the knowledge Muslims could need to spend their lives in this world and about the hereafter. A a Muslim, we should know about the rights of Quran upon Muslims and should follow its guidance. To follow its guidance to the full extent, we need to acknowledge its rights too. By understanding these rights, Muslims can give Quran its proper place in their hearts and their lives.
Just like everything else that is essential in the life of Muslims are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, the rights of the Quran itself are also demanded. Allah SWT has given every living thing its rights, and His Word, the Quran, is not an exception.
So, What are The Rights of Quran Upon Muslims?
These rights can be identified into five major categories:
- Belief in the Quran’s existence and message:
Belief in the Quran is of utmost importance to its followers. Faith is the first pillar of Islam, and as Quran is the book brought down to teach Islam, it demands belief in its existence. If faith is known as the foundation of religion, the courtesy is extended to the Revelation as it is the word of Allah. Faithful followers believe that angel Jibreal brought down the scripture to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. They believe in its teachings and take them to be the only universal truth.
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” [Quran 2:2]
If we believe in the Quran, we believe in the power it possesses. Hence, believing in the might of God. Belief in this Book also means belief in the verses it contains, and accepting the directions it lays down as the only right path for its followers.
- Reciting the Quran with proper Tajweed:
The Quran is not merely meant to be read but to be followed as well. It is supposed to be imprinted in memory to be called upon for guidance. Hence, the word recitation is used more often when discussing it. Moreover, the book requires Muslims to read it with the proper tajwid or pronunciation. This is to contain its true meaning, as many dialects are constantly emerging in Arabic. TarteeleQuran strives to provide you best platform to learn the Quran with Tajweed.
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Recite the Qur’ān because it will come on the Day of Judgement and intercede for its people.” [Sahih Muslim]
There is also a reward associated with reciting Quran in its pure dialect:
“Whoever recites a letter from the Qur’ān will be rewarded a good deed, and each good deed is multiplied by 10. I do not say “Alif Lām Mīm” is one letter, but “Alif” is a letter, “Lām” is a letter and “Mīm” is a letter.”[ Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, on the authority of Ibn Masʿūd]
Quran is meant to be read with proper etiquette. The foremost obligation is to perform wudhu before you touch it. It is also meant to be kept in a clean place and of height. Recitation of the Quran should be done in a clean place while sitting or standing up straight. All these practices present the respect that the word of Allah SWT holds in the hearts of his true believers.
- Understanding the Quran:
The Quran has a right upon Muslims to be understood to fulfill its purpose. The Prophet PBUH’s sunnah is an excellent guide about its teaching. To understand the scripture is to read its tafsir done by scholars over the years. Muslims need to understand the Quran to use it to govern every aspect of their life.
The Quran and its tafsir are all available on many authentic websites. With the advancements in translating software, people who do not understand Arabic can also readily translate the verses.
- Application of Its teachings:
The surahs contain thorough instructions for the ideal lifestyle of Muslims. Muslims are expected to follow that. Without applying the teachings of the Quran, its essence would be lost. Muslims, therefore, must carry out the commandments dictated. The application of the Quran depicts the message in it and guides us to see its physical beauty, fairness, and universality.
The application of Quran is explained in the Book itself, Sunnah, Ijma, and Qiyas. All these sources and knowledge about the rights of Quran upon Muslims are readily available now to observe in practice on YouTube and other content-sharing platforms. The Quran contains a code of life for Muslims and has a right upon them to obey that code.
The Holy Quran has rights upon Muslims just like any other living being coexisting in our realm. For instance, plants and animals have the right to live and eat all the same humans. The existence of the Quran is eternal, as it is Allah SWT’s word, and it does not need to be fed or protected like the beings he created.
However, it demands respect from its followers and holds rights over them as their ultimate source of guidance. A scripture so holy does not need its followers, but they need it to lead pious lives. And giving it that special place in one’s life means they must accept its rights over them.
- Spreading its message:
A good Muslim must spread the truth about Islam. The message of the Quran is meant to be conveyed to those who need guidance. The knowledge is not to be forced on someone, but a literate Muslim should enlighten and guide those who are unable to have access to religious education.
For instance, parents and elders are supposed to pass down what they learn to their children and youngsters. Similarly, in this generation, people can use online means of communication or publications to spread the message of the Quran.
The Prophet PBUH went to great lengths to spread Islam. He was persecuted and mocked and traveled far with the purpose of spreading Allah SWT’s word. And we are supposed to follow his example.
Narrated `Uthman: The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, #5027]
We all should know all the rights of Quran upon Muslims and should act upon the guidance given by the Quran and Our Prophet PBUH.
